The Kitchen Feature Designers Are Using to “Fake” a $1M Renovation

Once a hallmark of historic European homes, alcoves are staging a major comeback in interior design in 2026. This “what’s old is new again” trend earned a spot on Apartment Therapy’s 2025 New/Next List as one of the top design trends to watch (hello, Covecore!). 

Defined as recesses enclosed on three sides, alcoves may be found in nearly any space of historic homes, from charming library nooks and bedroom closets to built-in shelving moments. But lately, interior designers and architects have slyly reintroduced this architectural detail into new spaces — particularly in kitchens.

“[Alcoves] have an old-world vibe and warmth that feels welcoming,” says Sallie Lord, founder and principal designer of Indianapolis-based GreyHunt Interiors. 

Whether used to frame a range stove, carve out a dedicated coffee zone, or create a visually distinct storage moment, kitchen alcoves are the versatile architectural feature you’re about to see everywhere this year. 

Ready to jump aboard the kitchen covecore trend in 2026? Here’s what you need to know about this simple yet sophisticated design feature for your new kitchen.

From trending styles to paint colors and furniture, interior design in 2026 is all about creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and undeniably lived in. As a part of that shift, many once-beloved historic design details are making a dramatic comeback — and alcoves fit right in. 

In one of their recent design and build projects, the team at Four Brothers Design + Build blended form and function with a stove cove in the kitchen to add interest and sneaky storage with hidden shelving inside.

“They’re the perfect spot for everyday items, and just hidden enough to not become a visual distraction,” says Steve Hershberger of the integrated shelves, shown above. “Tucking them into the sides of the arched plaster hood allowed us to add function without interrupting the sculptural form of the alcove. Layered over the stone backsplash, they feel integrated and intentional more than just decorative.”

While undeniably eye-catching, alcoves aren’t just about looks — they are just as functional as they are beautiful. In kitchens, they can conceal clever storage, extend cabinetry for extra shelving, or create dedicated zones for pure functional features, including wall-mounted pot fillers behind the stove. 

Designers and content creators Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of the Brownstone Boys were earlier adopters of alcove features across entire spaces. It’s one of their go-to features in a home renovation playbook, regardless of whether an alcove has a classic arched opening or features an enclosure with right angles.

“They’re a beautiful way of highlighting a piece of art or a memento,” Slocum shared with Apartment Therapy. “I think it not only adds value to that specific special piece but can also expand the design of the space wherever you’re doing it.”

And stove coves are just the beginning. Depending on your layout, a kitchen alcove can also house a coffee bar, pantry, or prep area. Plus, designers are dragging this feature beyond the kitchen into cozy bedrooms, chic sitting rooms, and gorgeous bathrooms that feel more like a spa than real life.

If you think a kitchen or a bedroom is too small to accommodate an alcove, think again. One of the best parts about alcoves is that they are inherently well-suited to small rooms — they naturally amplify the feelings of warmth, coziness, and comfort that small spaces tend to evoke. 

In fact, an alcove can create a much-needed focal point and add visual interest to a small kitchen that lacks architectural detail. Even in the smallest kitchens (scullery kitchens included!), a few intentional design choices can turn even a standard hood cabinet into a sculptural stove cove, instantly adding depth, character, and an elevated look that makes the space feel thoughtfully designed rather than purely utilitarian.

If your kitchen needs a refresh in 2026, an alcove may be just what the designer ordered. While they’re not particularly renter-friendly (sorry, renters!), these versatile architectural features can be adapted to suit a wide range of spaces, and aren’t nearly as expensive as they look. Plus, since they’ve been around for centuries, you can feel confident knowing this look has staying power — and isn’t at risk of being a fleeting fad.